NICOSIA, Cyprus ( Associated Press) — Turkish Cyprus, broken up on ethnically divided Cyprus, must do its part in stopping migrant arrivals, a senior EU official said on Saturday, as the number of asylum seekers has increased significantly so far this year. developed,
European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas said Turkish Cypriot authorities should also be held accountable for curbing migrant arrivals.
“We will not allow the Turkish Cypriot community to consider itself neutral,” Shinas said after visiting advanced facilities at the Poorna migrant reception camp outside the capital. “They should also take their share of responsibility and we will find a way to remind them.”
Cyprus was divided on ethnic lines in 1974 when Turkey invaded after a coup aimed at reconciliation with Greece. Cypriot government officials say the overwhelming majority of migrant arrivals go through Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot North via a loosely regulated student visa system.
Thousands then cross the UN-controlled buffer zone to seek refuge in the Greek Cypriot south where the internationally recognized government sits. Although Turkish Cyprus receives funding from the European Union, only the South receives full membership benefits.
Shinas said EU Commissioner Alyssa Ferreira would contact Cyprus in July to figure out ways to better deal with the issue. He also said that Turkey has shown a willingness to help reduce the number of migrants arriving in Cyprus.
Cyprus Interior Minister Nikos Norris said the number of asylum seekers doubled to 10,000 in the first five months of this year compared to the same period in 2021, reiterating that they make up 5% of Cyprus’s 915,000-strong population in the European Union. Huh. South
He said the Cypriot authorities are working with the European Union to facilitate the return of asylum seekers whose claims have been rejected as well as the construction of a new migrant reception center from the 27 member-nation bloc. More funds of 72 million euros have been received.
Although overcrowding at the Poorna Center has been eased in recent months, Miracle Chidibera, a 27-year-old Nigerian, said there is still a lot of anger among migrants over a chronic lack of water, poor food and overcrowded facilities.without permission.
